Sofia

The daughter of a dear friend passed away yesterday. She was almost 8 months old. She had two open-heart surgeries during that short walk on earth. She suffered so much, as did her family, watching her struggle for life.

She will be remembered, but I have a special reason for that. I has been so wrapped up in my own life that I didn't take a few moments to go over, hold Sofia, hold Susy, or hug the kids. I lost that chance. I thought so many times about calling her, doing something for her, but time got away from me.

Time is one of the few things we can never, ever get back. Once we have spent an hour, we will never get another chance to re-spend it. Every moment of our lives in like that. How often do I think I "deserve" time with my family, friends, etc.? I take it for granted that they will always be there. I can put them off for a few minutes, hours, days, weeks. When I am finished my "project," I will spend more time with them. Yet, I find that one project leads to another and another. Only I can decide to spend wisely the time I have been given. It only takes a moment for a kiss, a hug, and book, a shoe tied, a game.

"Awake, my soul!"

Instead of wallowing in self-pity, I choose to embrace my weaknesses and believe. I will hug tighter, laugh louder, see more.

Why

Why does everything seem hard right now?

Basketball

My hubby is playing ball again.

He loves it.

When he walks in the door, happy and sweaty, he looks good.

Real good. ;)

Funny William

Here is William's joke at the dinner table tonight:

Why did the bunny go to the hospital?

Why?

Because he needed a hop-eration.

Gotta love that kid.

Good-bye, Graeme...

My sweet nephew, Graeme, is leaving on a mission on Wednesday. To Culiacan, Mexico.

Yesterday he spoke in his ward's sacrament meeting.

He is a man of few words.

I was completely mesmerized by his farewell talk.

I guess it is true of those who are frugal with words--when they talk, people listen. (I wouldn't know, personally)

He was so humble, so sincere, so in tune with the Spirit. I learned so much about him--how he has prepared, about his motivation for serving a mission, about his willingness to be a witness of Jesus Christ.

I was so proud of him. He is a good man, destined to work hard and be a humble, loving missionary.

Good luck, Graeme. But you know that He will go before your face, on your right hand and your left hand. He will never leave you alone!

We'll miss you!

All about cheesy-ness

Today I was making scrambled eggs for my tall, dark, and handsome hubby. My youngest daughter walked in and saw the cheese. Normally I just use block cheese, but I wanted to use up some cheese slices I had in the fridge, so I cut up one and threw it in. Sarah balked at my thriftiness. She said, "Mommy, you used the yucky cheese." I quickly reminded her that it wasn't yucky, just different.

As I plated the eggs for Larry, I murmured, "Mmmm, cheesy goodness."

Sarah took one look at that and disagreed. "Mommy, that is yucky cheese."

Then she stopped me with this memorable quote:

"Cheesy badness, Mom."

I love my girl!

Back in the saddle again

Well, yesterday I started piano lessons with W and H. I am determined to do better this time--not demeaning, not frustrated, just supportive. I am starting with 20 min. a day for W and 30 min. for H. We'll see. I'd love to get H into hymns again. I know he can do it. Really, the ideal is that I can have someone else teach them, but I have to wait until there's more wiggle room in the budget.